Celebrate Excellence: 78th Annual Binghamton University Athletics Awards Program Showcases Top Talents of 2024-25

Binghamton University’s athletics community gathered for its 78th Annual Varsity Awards on Monday night at the Events Center. This event celebrated over 400 student-athletes and recognized their hard work during the 2024-25 academic year.

Student-athletes Alexandra Switalski and David Marshall hosted the evening. A highlight was the senior sendoff, where volleyball player Sydney Aguirre and distance runner Josh Stone reflected on their experiences at Binghamton.

University President Harvey Stenger kicked off the event, praising the students for their ability to juggle academics and athletics. He emphasized the importance of striving for success while maintaining balance in life. "Winning is key, but it’s not everything," he said. His words highlighted the sense of pride that comes from collective achievements in athletics, connecting it to university spirit.

Eugene Marshall, the Director of Athletics, echoed this sentiment. He noted how sports prepare athletes for real-life challenges, stressing that the lessons learned extend beyond the field. "In life, everyone wants to succeed," he remarked, reinforcing the value of resilience that student-athletes develop over time.

The ceremony recognized exceptional achievements across several categories. Various awards celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and athletic prowess. The standout awards included the John Bilos Awards, which went to Eli Lanfear for men’s swimming and Tsvetelina Ilieva for women’s volleyball, showcasing their enduring impact on their respective sports.

As athletes approach the end of their seasons, finalists for Athlete of the Year were revealed, with winners to be announced after the spring sports conclude. Notable female finalists include Hannah Mimas from soccer and Tsvetelina Ilieva from volleyball, while male contenders include Brevin Cassella from wrestling and Eli Lanfear.

In addition to recognition for individual athletes, the Team Community Service Award went to the women’s lacrosse team, highlighting their commitment off the field. Athletes were also awarded for comeback stories, academic achievements, and impactful contributions to the athletics program.

Key Awards Presented:

• John Bilos Alumni Awards:
  Male: Eli Lanfear (Swimming)
  Female: Tsvetelina Ilieva (Volleyball)

• Leadership Awards:
  Josh Stone (Cross Country, Track) for the Jake Pitler Award
  Olivia Muscolino (Lacrosse) for the Jessie A. Godfrey Award

• Academic Achievement:
  Top male GPA: Carlo Cavalar (Soccer)
  Top female GPA: Tsvetelina Ilieva (Volleyball)

The event was a powerful reminder of the balance student-athletes strive to maintain, the teamwork they foster, and the legacies they create. As they pursue their dreams, the values they gain through sports often shape not just their futures, but the pride of the entire Binghamton University community.

For more information about Binghamton University athletics, you can visit their official athletics website.

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